I see Kemp as deeply conflicted - a state that most, if not all, of the characters Johnny has portrayed seem to be in. Bet JD brings that out. Just guessing, I think he'll play Kemp as a character of Hunter's, rather than as a thinly disguised young Hunter.

Johnny knew Hunter so well that I think he will play Kemp as Hunter. Kemp was restless and always looking for something even though he really didn't know what - at that time in his life. Kemp was a little laid back, always observing - on the edge of the circle - not in the middle. But many times his actions put him in the middle. Also think Johnny will bring out Kemp's humorus side. He is so good at doing that. Looking forward to seeing Johnny in this role.

All excellent descriptions of the character and of Johnny's abilities! I think he can't help but bring Hunter's influence to the character. I believe this is his homage to his friend and we will see him there. I can not wait to find out!

Life is not a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming -
Wow! What a ride!

To me what stands out the most was that he was a journalist, first and foremost. He was an observer who was slow to respond to what he observed. But he didn’t seem to have a hard time writing it down. He partook in the action in this story as more of an accessory (on the edge of the circle, as ladylinn put it).

You can't judge a book by its cover.

The only thing that matters is the ending. It's the most important part of the story.

Guess I got literal with this one. Wondered what music would help define the character. He uses that for inspiration while he's "working" Thought of piano bar music, and, of course, Laura. Any latin stuff?? If he plays Kemp as Hunter, guess there would be the hint of Southern drawl. Kentucky. Will or did he channel someone? His style doesn't look like the young Hunter we're familiar with. Is it a "50's " personality? I even thought of Juan Thompson. Hopefully the movie will will move forward so we can witness how and if all these ideas develop!

Well, I've always imagined that Johnny would play it as a young Hunter.....whatever that means. In my mind it is a toned down version of the Hunter we know....keeping the same quality of voice (but better enunciation) as Johnny portrayed in Fear and Loathing.

You can't judge a book by its cover.

The only thing that matters is the ending. It's the most important part of the story.

I wish as Buster says that Johnny would portray him as a character of Hunters. Unfortunately so many people having read about Hunter consider Kemp, Hunter in his youth. So much about Kemp parallels Hunter life, being a journalist, and living in Puerto Rico. Because Johnny knows that people will consider his portrayal a reflection on Hunter, he will play him as his good friend in his younger days. I think for Hunters family and his friendship he will put the best light on Kemp character.

"If there are no dogs in Heaven, then when I die I want to go where they went." Will Rogers

Just FYI on the music question that deppaura raised. Last October it was announced that composer Christopher Young was signed to score the soundtrack for TRD but I haven't seen anything since then.

Life is not a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming -

I wanted to add one more thing about Kemp. In a way he and Yeamon are the different sides of the same coin. Kemp is Yeamon with a conscience and vice versa.

Life is not a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming -

DeppInTheHeartOfTexas wrote:I wanted to add one more thing about Kemp. In a way he and Yeamon are the different sides of the same coin. Kemp is Yeamon with a conscience and vice versa.

I totally agree with that and they are two side of Hunter. Even in the story Yeamon tells Kemp they are the same. And I don't think Kemp helped him get off the island in the end because he felt guilty about Chenault. He saw that "There but for the grace of God go I".

"If there are no dogs in Heaven, then when I die I want to go where they went." Will Rogers

Life is not a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming -

I have to agree with those who are looking for Johnny to offer a fictional character as opposed to a portrayal of a young Hunter. I think there are probably aspects of HST's personality (and obviously his perspectives) in Kemp but this is not gonzo stuff. There remains a distance between the writer and Kemp, one that doesn't exist in some of Hunter's other work (Fear and Loathing etc). In addition Kemp seems much more hesitant than Hunter would in the same situations. The fact that what we've seen of Kemp 'in costume' so to speak doesn't seem to capture the young Hunter also might support the idea that JD is going for his own 'take' on this character, using his formidable talent to knit disparate beings into one whole new persona. In any case, I can't wait -- I sure hope they come out of Cannes with solid distributors.

"Some books are to be tasted, others to be swallowed and some few to be chewed and digested." Sir Francis Bacon, Of Studies